Holiday Hazards to avoid with your Pets

The Holiday Spirit is with us. It is a time of well wishes, being with family and a general warm feeling inside. In most instances, we want to share these warm wishes with our smaller, 4 legged friends. Sometimes we give our pets extra treats, or dress them up in silly holiday costumes. While this can be fun, it is important to realize the danger holiday decorations and gifts can pose.

When decorating your house and tree, be aware of the following hazards for dogs and cats.

Extension cords and Light Strings

The new “chew toy” lying on the ground may prove too tempting for the little guys to resist. Just the fact that these new items are unfamiliar might invoke curiosity to take over. When running lights, keep them as high up as possible, so they are out of the reach of your animals. If you have to use extension cords in the house, be sure to cover them with something that is not easily removed by pets. If you notice your animals pawing at or showing particular interest, move the lights or cord to a different location.

Tree, Ornaments and gifts

Putting up your tree – It is wise to secure your tree to the wall so playing animals will not knock it over. Anchor the tree to the wall using invisible fishing line. This should be sufficient to secure it for the season.

Ornament Advice 101 – Don’t put the valuable ones at the bottom of the tree. Countless people have lost good ornaments because the dog and cat won’t leave them alone. If you are going to put ornaments at the bottom of the tree, make sure they are ones without the metal hanging hooks. When the hooks fall off they can be ingested by pets and become harmful. Another thing to be aware of is tinsel. Tinsel can be ingested and get balled up in the intestines causing harm to your pet. Keep this at a high point on the tree, or don’t use it at all.

Gifts and Presents – Pretty paper and ribbons not only look good to humans, but they can prove tempting to pets as well. Move gifts with ribbons to the back of the pile or make them difficult to reach. If you know there are food items wrapped under the tree, remove and put them somewhere safe. The animals have a better sense of smell than we do, and could be tempted by the wrapped treats. Be especially careful if you know the gifts contain chocolate, raisins or grapes. These food items can be deadly for dogs.

You know your pet best, so use good judgment this season when it comes to decorating and entertaining. Keep a close eye on your pet to see how they will react to extra commotion and guests in your house. If you keep these things in mind, you and your pets can have a safe and happy holiday season.